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- Tasks: Lead and develop a site-based team, driving operational excellence and safety culture.
- Company: Dynamic company in Milton Keynes focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous leave, health plan, and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising operations and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management with strong leadership and safety skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career growth and employee perks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to lead and develop our site-based team in Milton Keynes. This role is critical to driving operational excellence, developing people, improving efficiency, and embedding a strong culture of Health, Safety, and Continuous Improvement.
You will be a visible leader on the shop floor, a strong people manager, and a natural integrator who can bring teams together, work closely with Sales, and translate business needs into practical operational solutions. A key part of the role will be modernising operations through technology, automation, and structured project delivery.
Location: Milton Keynes
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, organise, and deploy labour effectively to meet workload requirements, ensuring equipment and labour capacity are fully utilised, productivity is maximised, and work is carried out safely at all times.
- Act as a visible Health & Safety leader on the shop floor, promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring all operations comply with H&S legislation, company policies, and safe systems of work.
- Ensure all parts and processes are delivered in full compliance with approved customer requirements, internal quality standards, company procedures, and all legal, safety, and regulatory obligations.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Work Instructions, Risk Assessments, and Workplace Standards across all operational areas.
- Ensure standard working practices are consistently applied across all operations, including workflow, WIP levels, process and cycle times, and safe working procedures.
- Maintain and control all SSQDC performance boards, ensuring Health & Safety performance is clearly visible and that shift briefings effectively communicate safety messages alongside progress against agreed targets.
- Actively promote safe behaviours and hold teams accountable for Health & Safety standards.
- Motivate team members to achieve operational plans, targets, KPIs, and safety objectives.
- Develop and coach Shift Managers to lead safely and consistently deliver performance targets.
- Drive business performance through the effective use of OKRs.
- Work closely with Quality Engineers and H&S representatives to ensure quality and safety standards are understood, embedded, and consistently achieved.
- Ensure robust induction, training, and competency management for all employees, including Health & Safety training, and maintain accurate training records.
- Proactively identify and address operational and safety risks, leading incident investigations, near-miss reviews, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Continuously develop personal leadership and technical expertise and actively share knowledge and best practices across the wider team.
- Ensure appropriate levels of competent and trained resource are in place to meet customer demand while maintaining safe working conditions.
- Partner with the Operations Director to develop and deliver the site’s strategic plan, ensuring Health & Safety is embedded as a core pillar of operational excellence.
- Collaborate with the wider Operations Management Team across TKMUK, fostering a strong culture of best-practice sharing, continuous improvement, and safety leadership.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:
- Proven experience in a senior operations or manufacturing/engineering/logistics management role within a site-based environment.
- Strong track record of leading, rebuilding, and developing operational teams.
- Demonstrable experience of leading Health & Safety within an operational environment, including driving culture change and compliance.
- Hands-on leadership experience with a strong shop floor presence.
- Experience delivering efficiency improvements, process optimisation, and operational change.
- Proven ability to manage labour planning, productivity, and resource deployment.
- Experience leading and delivering projects and programmes in an operational setting.
- Strong cross-functional working experience, including collaboration with Sales and Quality.
- Experience implementing automation, new technologies, or digital manufacturing solutions.
Job Benefits:
- Competitive salary + bonus.
- Annual Leave: 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.
- Health Cash Plan (after 6 months).
- Company bonus scheme.
- Advantageous pension scheme.
- Learning & Development opportunities.
- Advanced Family Friendly Policies.
- Employee high street vouchers & discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Occupational health & health surveillance.
- Length of Service Awards.
- Christmas savings scheme.
- Eye care vouchers.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Wellbeing events.
- Recognition Portal.
- Rewards Portal.
- Company events.
- Company share schemes.
- Christmas Closedown.
Operations Manager in Milton Keynes employer: thyssenkrupp Materials UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
thyssenkrupp Materials UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see how they operate and what values they promote. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams, improved processes, or tackled safety issues. We want to hear about your hands-on experience, so be ready to share those success stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; reach out! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend any company events. This shows initiative and gives you insider info that can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams, improving efficiency, and managing health and safety. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about operations and how you can contribute to our culture of continuous improvement. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven operational excellence. We love seeing how you bring people together and foster a positive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at thyssenkrupp Materials UK Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their processes, safety standards, and how they implement technology and automation. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, improved safety culture, and driven performance. Highlight your ability to integrate teams and work cross-functionally with departments like Sales and Quality.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by discussing past projects where you've implemented changes that led to efficiency gains. Be ready to talk about how you develop and coach others in this area, as it's crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Safety Conversations
Since health and safety is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your approach to promoting a positive safety culture. Prepare examples of how you've led safety initiatives or handled incidents in the past, showing your proactive stance on risk management.
